Blog

Dallas Roofing Contractor: What You Need to Know About Your Roof

If you made ‘be a more responsible homeowner’ your New Year’s resolution, the rewards can pay immense dividends, especially when it comes to addressing your roof’s lifespan and avoiding expensive repairs due to issues going unresolved and worsening.

Simply put, your roof is one of the most important pieces of your home, yet many people don’t feel confident when it comes time to consider their roof’s condition and feel even less confident about having it inspected and paying for repairs and/or replacement. This is further complicated by the fact that your roof isn’t something you see up close on a regular basis, meaning problems can develop without you even realizing they are occurring.

Here are some tips on how to gauge your roof’s lifespan and what potential warning signs may indicate it’s time for significant repairs or reroofing.

The Kind of Roof Influences Its Lifespan

The answer to the question ‘how long should my roof last?’ is heavily dependent on what kind of roof you have. Here are some of the common roof varieties and some general information about how long they could last when they’re kept in good condition:

Asphalt – Asphalt roofs are easily the most common type of roof in the U.S. because it’s generally a less expensive building material. However, it’s also the least durable. You can expect an asphalt roof to remain in good condition for 15 to 20 years.

Metal – Although rarer, metal roofs are very durable and low maintenance. And although the upfront installation and material costs are higher, you won’t have to shell out a lot of extra money for repairs and replacements in the near term. Most new homes don’t come with metal roofing, which is why they’re usually installed on residences during reroofing.You can expect a metal roof to stay intact for anywhere from 20 to 40 years.

Wood Shingle – Wood shingle roofing is a little more complicated, simply because it requires the most upkeep of any roofing material. If well-preserved – meaning it’s kept dry, clean and well ventilated – wood shingle roofs can remain viable for 20 to 30 years.

Tile and Slate – More popular in the southwest, tile and slate roofing is considered one of the most durable roofing materials available. You can expect your tile roof to last anywhere from 50 to 100 years, depending on the quality of the tiles and installation.

For any roofing material, climate plays a large role in determining how long it will last. Heavy rains, extreme heat and frequent snowstorms put extra strain on your roof, so keep that factor in mind when considering when it might be time for an inspection or repair.

Warning Signs Your Roof Needs Repair or Replacement

Even if you have a high-quality roof, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to last its expected duration. External factors like climate and workmanship always play a role. So rather than sitting idly by it’s best to take a proactive approach and monitor your roof for specific indicators.

For example, missing shingles typically mean your roof is on the back nine of its lifespan. Some people mistakenly attribute missing shingles to a recent wind storm, but a quality, healthy roof should remain intact through most rain or snowstorms. That’s its job, after all! You should also keep an eye out for shingle or tile granules in your home’s gutters and curling or buckling shingles. Both can indicate your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Another way to monitor your roof’s condition is by testing for soft spots or depressions on top of the roof, especially in the valleys. Carefully press your foot down and check for a sponge-like feeling or areas that seem to compress under your weight. If you find areas that don’t feel strong and solid, you may need roof service soon.

Things You Can Do to Extend the Life of Your Roof

If your roof is in good shape, there’s some easy things you can do maximize its longevity, such as:

You may also want to consider if your attic is well ventilated. During the summer, attics can reach extreme temperatures as high as 150 degrees. That level of heat has drastically negative effects on your roof and over time can cause it to age prematurely.

Another thing to keep in mind is attic insulation. When the roof’s surface absorbs high levels of heat, the heat transfers from the surface to the structural components below it, which can also damage the roof over time. Installing roof insulation can prevent heat transfer from occurring.

When it’s Time for Service or an Inspection

If you think your roof is ready for an inspection or needs repairs or replacement, be sure to look for a GAF Master Elite Certified Roofer. Only three percent of all roofers qualify for this prestigious status, so you know you’re getting the best of the best when you hire a Master Elite roofer.

At Aspenmark Roofing, we have put in the time, effort and investment in continued training to maintain our GAF Master Elite Certified status. We’ve been roofing the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2005 and look forward to continuing our legacy by providing exceptional roofing results for every client we serve. Contact Aspenmark by calling 214-823-7663 or by visiting us online to request a quote today!